Research

Liver X receptors (LXRs) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. These receptors are present in both isoforms, LXRα and LXRβ, and are activated by binding with oxidized derivatives of cholesterol, named oxysterols. They behave as transcription factors and thus stimulate expression of a particular set of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis and fatty acid synthesis. In addition to their roles in tissues that have a very active lipid metabolism such as liver, brain and adipose tissue, our work focuses on prostate gland. Our objective is to decipher, the roles of LXRs in prostate cancer ex vivo, using cell culture models, and in vivo by exploration of transgenic mice. We have recently demonstrated that LXRs act as metabolic gatekeeper against cancer progression. Our goal is to understand and to identify molecular mechanisms targeted by LXRs and that constrain cancer progression.